SPIEGEL ONLINE - International - Wind Energyhttp://www.spiegel.de
Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site.enFri, 09 Dec 2016 16:42:04 +0100Fri, 09 Dec 2016 16:42:04 +0100SPIEGEL ONLINEhttp://www.spiegel.de
http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gifGone With the Wind: Weak Returns Cripple German Renewableshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/business/wind-power-investments-in-germany-proving-riskier-than-thought-a-946367.html#ref=rss
Investments in renewable energy were supposed to be a sure thing, with wind park operators promising annual returns of up to 20 percent. More often than not, however, such pledges have been illusory -- and many investors have lost their principal to boot.Thu, 30 Jan 2014 15:19:51 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/wind-power-investments-in-germany-proving-riskier-than-thought-a-946367.htmlInvestments in renewable energy were supposed to be a sure thing, with wind park operators promising annual returns of up to 20 percent. More often than not, however, such pledges have been illusory -- and many investors have lost their principal to boot.]]>Energy Referendum: Public Buy-Back of Berlin Grid Failshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/berlin-referendum-on-buying-electricity-grid-from-vattenfall-fails-a-931609.html#ref=rss
An attempt to buy Berlin's energy grid from the Swedish mega firm Vattenfall fell short at the polls on Sunday. Activists argued the company isn't doing enough to foster green energy, while opponents questioned the logistical advantages of a change. Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:36:35 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/berlin-referendum-on-buying-electricity-grid-from-vattenfall-fails-a-931609.htmlAn attempt to buy Berlin's energy grid from the Swedish mega firm Vattenfall fell short at the polls on Sunday. Activists argued the company isn't doing enough to foster green energy, while opponents questioned the logistical advantages of a change. ]]>Nuclear Divergence: UK's New Reactor Spurs Debate in Germanyhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-uk-nuclear-reactor-spurs-reexamination-of-german-policy-a-930822.html#ref=rss
The UK's decision to build a new nuclear power plant has thrown Germany's vow to shut down its own nuclear plants into relief. Critics argue Germany's decision was emotional, not practical -- others disagree. Wed, 30 Oct 2013 16:54:11 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-uk-nuclear-reactor-spurs-reexamination-of-german-policy-a-930822.htmlThe UK's decision to build a new nuclear power plant has thrown Germany's vow to shut down its own nuclear plants into relief. Critics argue Germany's decision was emotional, not practical -- others disagree. ]]>Reality Check: Germany's Defective Green Energy Game Planhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/commentary-why-germany-is-waging-its-green-revolution-wrong-a-929693.html#ref=rss
Germany pretends to be a pioneer in the green revolution. But its massively expensive Energiewende has done nothing to make the environment cleaner or encourage genuine efficiency. One writer argues: Either do it right, or don't do it at all. Fri, 25 Oct 2013 16:13:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/commentary-why-germany-is-waging-its-green-revolution-wrong-a-929693.htmlGermany pretends to be a pioneer in the green revolution. But its massively expensive Energiewende has done nothing to make the environment cleaner or encourage genuine efficiency. One writer argues: Either do it right, or don't do it at all. ]]>Germany's Energy Poverty: How Electricity Became a Luxury Goodhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/high-costs-and-errors-of-german-transition-to-renewable-energy-a-920288.html#ref=rss
Germany's agressive and reckless expansion of wind and solar power has come with a hefty pricetag for consumers, and the costs often fall disproportionately on the poor. Government advisors are calling for a completely new start.Wed, 04 Sep 2013 19:15:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/high-costs-and-errors-of-german-transition-to-renewable-energy-a-920288.htmlGermany's agressive and reckless expansion of wind and solar power has come with a hefty pricetag for consumers, and the costs often fall disproportionately on the poor. Government advisors are calling for a completely new start.]]>'Liconomics': China's Green Revolution Arriveshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/business/chinese-leadership-announces-new-focus-on-green-energy-a-917389.html#ref=rss
China has changed course and announced an ambitious new plan to push sustainable energy. The initiative by Li Keqiang's government signals a turning point in the country's approach to the environment -- and could mean big business for Germany. Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:59:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/chinese-leadership-announces-new-focus-on-green-energy-a-917389.htmlChina has changed course and announced an ambitious new plan to push sustainable energy. The initiative by Li Keqiang's government signals a turning point in the country's approach to the environment -- and could mean big business for Germany. ]]>Casualty of War: WWII Explosives Scuttle Windfarm Openinghttp://www.spiegel.de/international/business/german-wind-farm-delayed-by-wwii-munitions-discovery-a-915484.html#ref=rss
The ambitious Riffgat wind farm was supposed to open off the German and Dutch coast this month and power 120,000 homes. Now the discovery of unexploded ordinance is causing a costly delay.Thu, 08 Aug 2013 16:21:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/german-wind-farm-delayed-by-wwii-munitions-discovery-a-915484.htmlThe ambitious Riffgat wind farm was supposed to open off the German and Dutch coast this month and power 120,000 homes. Now the discovery of unexploded ordinance is causing a costly delay.]]>Turbine Trouble: Ill Wind Blows for German Offshore Industryhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-offshore-wind-industry-goes-from-boom-to-bust-a-914158.html#ref=rss
Only recently, the offshore wind industry was seen as an opportunity to regenerate Germany's coast. But amid changing political attitudes and spiraling costs, several companies are struggling to survive. Is the wind boom over before it even really began?Fri, 02 Aug 2013 12:47:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-offshore-wind-industry-goes-from-boom-to-bust-a-914158.htmlOnly recently, the offshore wind industry was seen as an opportunity to regenerate Germany's coast. But amid changing political attitudes and spiraling costs, several companies are struggling to survive. Is the wind boom over before it even really began?]]>Unfair Competition?: EU Takes on German Green Energy Lawhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/european-commission-plans-to-probe-german-renewable-energy-law-a-911139.html#ref=rss
The European Commission plans to launch a probe this Wednesday into Germany's renewable energy law. Brussels says it breaches EU competition law because it exempts many companies from charges levied to fund green subsidies. Mon, 15 Jul 2013 11:48:17 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/european-commission-plans-to-probe-german-renewable-energy-law-a-911139.htmlThe European Commission plans to launch a probe this Wednesday into Germany's renewable energy law. Brussels says it breaches EU competition law because it exempts many companies from charges levied to fund green subsidies. ]]>Eco-Blowback: Mutiny in the Land of Wind Turbineshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/wind-energy-encounters-problems-and-resistance-in-germany-a-910816.html#ref=rss
Germany plans to build 60,000 new wind turbines -- in forests, in the foothills of the Alps and even in protected environmental areas. But local residents are up in arms, costs are skyrocketing and Germany's determination to phase out nuclear power is in danger.Fri, 12 Jul 2013 17:39:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/wind-energy-encounters-problems-and-resistance-in-germany-a-910816.htmlGermany plans to build 60,000 new wind turbines -- in forests, in the foothills of the Alps and even in protected environmental areas. But local residents are up in arms, costs are skyrocketing and Germany's determination to phase out nuclear power is in danger.]]>Passing the Buck: Siemens Blames Others for Delayed Deliverieshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/business/amid-more-delays-siemens-blames-government-agencies-and-suppliers-a-897798.html#ref=rss
Due to a series of glitches, German electronics giant Siemens has once again been unable to deliver trains on time. Instead of assuming responsibility for the problems, management is trying to pin the blame on suppliers and government agencies.Fri, 03 May 2013 17:10:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/amid-more-delays-siemens-blames-government-agencies-and-suppliers-a-897798.htmlDue to a series of glitches, German electronics giant Siemens has once again been unable to deliver trains on time. Instead of assuming responsibility for the problems, management is trying to pin the blame on suppliers and government agencies.]]>Funding Shortfall: Germany Forced to Cancel Climate Programshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-cancels-trio-of-climate-programs-amid-funding-shortfall-a-889483.html#ref=rss
As prices for carbon emissions continue to languish, Berlin is planning to cancel some key subsidy programs aimed at increasing reliance on renewable energies. Germany and other European countries seem uninterested in fixing the problem.Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:33:18 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-cancels-trio-of-climate-programs-amid-funding-shortfall-a-889483.htmlAs prices for carbon emissions continue to languish, Berlin is planning to cancel some key subsidy programs aimed at increasing reliance on renewable energies. Germany and other European countries seem uninterested in fixing the problem.]]>The Price of Green Energy: Is Germany Killing the Environment to Save It?http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-renewable-energy-policy-takes-toll-on-nature-conservation-a-888094.html#ref=rss
The German government is carrying out a rapid expansion of renewable energies like wind, solar and biogas, yet the process is taking a toll on nature conservation. The issue is causing a rift in the environmental movement, pitting "green energy" supporters against ecologists.Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:21:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-renewable-energy-policy-takes-toll-on-nature-conservation-a-888094.htmlThe German government is carrying out a rapid expansion of renewable energies like wind, solar and biogas, yet the process is taking a toll on nature conservation. The issue is causing a rift in the environmental movement, pitting "green energy" supporters against ecologists.]]>A Mere Breeze: Era of Fast Growth Ends for Wind Energy in Europehttp://www.spiegel.de/international/business/era-of-fast-growth-ends-for-wind-energy-in-europe-a-882357.html#ref=rss
The debt crisis is finally catching up with wind energy, once a fast-growing sector in Europe. After more than a decade of double-digit growth, austerity, rapidly changing energy policies and skittish investors are putting a damper on the industry. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:38:48 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/era-of-fast-growth-ends-for-wind-energy-in-europe-a-882357.htmlThe debt crisis is finally catching up with wind energy, once a fast-growing sector in Europe. After more than a decade of double-digit growth, austerity, rapidly changing energy policies and skittish investors are putting a damper on the industry. ]]>Risky Investments : Berlin Wants To Cap Renewables Subsidieshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-environment-ministry-plans-to-cap-subsidies-for-renewables-a-880301.html#ref=rss
Environment Minister Peter Altmaier wants to limit the cost of Germany's green energy revolution by capping subsidies for renewable energy. The plan, aimed at halting a recent surge in electricity prices, faces likely rejection from a political opposition that views the move as a clever ploy to win votes in the next election. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:47:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-environment-ministry-plans-to-cap-subsidies-for-renewables-a-880301.htmlEnvironment Minister Peter Altmaier wants to limit the cost of Germany's green energy revolution by capping subsidies for renewable energy. The plan, aimed at halting a recent surge in electricity prices, faces likely rejection from a political opposition that views the move as a clever ploy to win votes in the next election. ]]>Big Gift to Big Business: Berlin to Exempt 1,550 Firms From Electricity Surchargehttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-to-exempt-1-550-firms-from-power-price-surcharge-a-874598.html#ref=rss
Germany plans to exempt 1,550 large firms from a power price surcharge that covers part of the cost of switching to renewable energy. Critics say the list of exemptions is spurious and unfair to households and small businesses. It risks undermining faith in the government's switch to clean power.Mon, 24 Dec 2012 14:38:19 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-to-exempt-1-550-firms-from-power-price-surcharge-a-874598.htmlRising Energy Prices: Germans Grow Wary of Switch to Renewableshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/consumers-bear-brunt-of-german-switch-to-renewable-energies-a-861415.html#ref=rss
Germany's switch to renewable energies is driving up electricity bills across the country, with a green technology surcharge set to rise by nearly 50 percent next year. With frustration over the high price tag, it promises to become a key issue in next year's election campaign.Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:16:17 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/consumers-bear-brunt-of-german-switch-to-renewable-energies-a-861415.htmlMerkel's Blackout: German Energy Plan Plagued by Lack of Progresshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/energy-turnaround-in-germany-plagued-by-worrying-lack-of-progress-a-860481.html#ref=rss
Germany plans to abandon nuclear power by 2022, but its government hasn't been doing enough to ensure that the project succeeds. Needed infrastructure and technology is lacking, and coordination is a mess. Meanwhile, weary consumers are paying more for electricity, and the supply is in jeopardy. Wed, 10 Oct 2012 18:06:27 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/energy-turnaround-in-germany-plagued-by-worrying-lack-of-progress-a-860481.htmlGermany plans to abandon nuclear power by 2022, but its government hasn't been doing enough to ensure that the project succeeds. Needed infrastructure and technology is lacking, and coordination is a mess. Meanwhile, weary consumers are paying more for electricity, and the supply is in jeopardy. ]]>Flexible Fossils: A New Role for Coal in German Energy Revolutionhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-coal-fired-plants-could-be-key-to-german-energy-revolution-a-854335.html#ref=rss
One of the biggest challenges of Germany's ambitious energy revolution is the fact that renewables such as wind and solar are subject to large fluctuations in output. Coal has long been considered their dirty alternative, but a new generation of power plants may herald a glowing future for the fossil fuel.Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:43:12 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-coal-fired-plants-could-be-key-to-german-energy-revolution-a-854335.htmlGermany's Offshore Fiasco: North Sea Wind Offensive Plagued by Problemshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-offshore-wind-offensive-plagued-by-problems-a-852728.html#ref=rss
Germany wants to pepper its northern seas with offshore wind turbines as part of its ambitious energy revolution. But strict laws, technology problems and multiple delays are turning the massive enterprise into an expensive fiasco. Investors and the public are losing patience.Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:34:45 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-offshore-wind-offensive-plagued-by-problems-a-852728.html